The longwall at Narrabri has turned a corner after initial teething problems with the software system.

“There is renewed and improved engagement with the CAT longwall manufacturers,” he said.

“Major upgrades to the software are now complete with results expected in second longwall panel.”

Development rates achieved a record 1400m per month in May with three continuous miners and Narrabri has started its longwall change program, Flynn said.

Narrabri is progressing with the first longwall change-out.

“Significant planning and coordination work has been undertaken with the estimated timeframe of six weeks [for the change-out],” he said.

“Planned modifications on the surface to improve longwall performance in panel 2 include 19 chocks brought up to the surface and a re-design the skid-side shoes.

“The program is led by an experienced mine management team complemented with expert service providers.”

A labour pool of trades and operator workers from mining contractors SBD and GSM are available during the change-out period.

Mining of the second longwall panel is expected to start in mid-July, Flynn said.

Moisture remains a problem with the coal product from the New South Wales mine.

“Thermal product moisture remains at unacceptable levels whenever a PCI fraction is produced in the CHPP,” Flynn said.

“The bypass crushing circuit is being commissioned with a rated capacity of 1000tph and expected to handle about 50% of coal.

“The higher energy bypassed raw coal will be blended with the processed thermal to meet overall benchmark thermal specifications.”

The outcome of the bypass crusher will emerge during the June quarter. Meanwhile, Narrabri PCI production is being constrained at 650Kt until the blended energy of bypassed raw coal and processed thermal reaches Newcastle benchmark.